Rayagada: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took suo motu cognizance of reports of a mob attack on a 22-year-old woman intern in Rayagada district and sought a detailed report from the state police.
The incident reportedly took place on June 16 in the Kalyansinghpur area after rumours of “child lifters” spread in the locality, leading to an alleged attack on two fellowship workers.
The Commission has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. It has asked for detailed information on the FIR registered in the case, including provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The NCW has also sought updates on the investigation, arrests made so far, and steps taken to identify those responsible for circulating rumours that allegedly triggered the incident.
Further, the panel has asked authorities to provide details of medical treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation being given to the survivor. It has also sought information on safety measures being implemented for NGO workers, interns, and other vulnerable groups working in the area.
The Commission has instructed Odisha Police to outline steps being taken to prevent mob vigilantism, including community policing initiatives and awareness drives to counter misinformation and rumour-mongering.
According to police, the incident occurred when two fellowship workers, engaged with voluntary organisations, were travelling from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi. They reportedly lost their way while using Google Maps and entered the Kalyansinghpur area.
They stopped at Kandulguda village under Silet panchayat to ask for directions and interacted with locals, including children celebrating the Raja festival. Police said the duo allegedly distributed chocolates to children, after which rumours spread that they were attempting to lure minors.
A mob soon gathered and confronted the two, and despite showing identity documents, they were allegedly surrounded and questioned. The situation escalated when they attempted to seek police assistance.
The woman alleged that the crowd became increasingly aggressive and that they were assaulted while trying to escape.
Police said the duo later lost control of their scooter near Dhamunipanga panchayat while fleeing, after which they were caught by a larger mob and assaulted, leaving both injured.
Rayagada Superintendent of Police Raj Prasad said swift action by Kalyansinghpur police led to the rescue of the victims.
